LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has awarded its Regional Professorial Chair Grants for Academic Year 2025–2026 to five distinguished academicians in recognition of their outstanding contributions to agricultural and rural development. Each awardee will receive a grant of USD 5,000.
The awardees are Prof. Yeng Ming Lam and Prof. Joachim Loo of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore; Prof. Ts. Dr. Zurina Binti Zainal Abidin and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noranizan Mohd Adzahan of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM); and Assoc. Prof. Kornsorn Srikulnath of Kasetsart University (KU), Thailand.
Dr. Yeng Ming Lam, Professor at the NTU College of Engineering, received the professorial chair for her groundbreaking contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental innovation in Southeast Asia. She was recognized for her innovative RetenSol-G microgel technology, which uses plant waste to enhance soil wettability and water retention for crop production in water-scarce regions. She has also developed alternative technologies for urban farming and holds multiple patents for her work related to sustainable agriculture. Under the grant, Professor Lam will deliver a public lecture titled "Transforming Land using Green Materials – Green for Green."
Professor Joachim Loo, Associate Dean (Students) at the NTU College of Engineering, earned the professorial chair for his work in agri-food and biomedical applications. Professor Loo's innovative research on extracting natural biopolymers from plants and agricultural by-products to create advanced nutrient absorption delivery systems. This work significantly advances smart agriculture to boost food productivity and sustainability in the region though eco-friendly innovation. Professor Loo's will speak about his work in a public lecture on "The Role of Encapsulation Systems in Fulfilling the Singapore Aquaculture Plan."
Recognized as one of the World's Top 2% Scientists by Elsevier BV and Stanford University Dr. Zurina binti Zainal Abidin, Professor at UPM's Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, was honored for her contributions to chemical/biochemical engineering. Her extensive research is reflected in over 150 high-impact publications, multiple patents, and more than 5,000 citations. Her dedication extends to STEM education advocacy; promoting science and engineering awareness in communities, schools, and civil society; and fostering industry collaborations. Professor Zurina will give a public lecture titled "Harnessing Jatropha curcas as a Sustainable and Renewable Biocoagulant for Low-Carbon Water Treatment in Agriculture."
Dr. Noranizan Mohd Adzahan, Associate Professor at the UPM Faculty of Food Science and Technology, received the professorial chair for her work on food processing, particularly in promoting high pressure processing (HPP) to extend shelf life as well as reduce waste in food supply chains and environmental impact. across Southeast Asia. Through her training programs and industry engagement, Dr. Noranizan has helped build regional capacity and foster acceptance of this innovative technology. She also extends her research internationally as chair of the Nonthermal Processing Division of the Institute of Food Technologists, USA. She will discuss "High Pressure Processing as a Game Changer for Reducing Food Waste and Environmental Impact" in a public lecture as part of the grant requirements.
Associate Professor Kornsorn Srikulnath, Assistant to the President for Research and Internationalization and Faculty of Science member at KU, was granted the professorial chair in the field of biodiversity. He has been nationally and internationally recognized for his outstanding research and teaching, with more than 100 publications in scientific journals. His project "Transforming Catfish Aquaculture Value Chains: A Thai Model for Sustainable Regional Growth" has been instrumental in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices across the region, which earned him the National Outstanding Researcher in Agriculture and Biology award from the National Research Council of Thailand in 2022. He will deliver a professorial chair lecture with the same title as his award-winning research.
Awarded annually, the SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair Grant recognizes outstanding Southeast Asian academic professionals for significant contributions to their fields. Nominated by their university heads, 67 highly competent academicians in the region have received this recognition to date.